After Children In Need at Waterstones.

As I had hoped the fundraiser in Waterstones went off extremely well. I was so impressed by the way people got on board with the idea from the start. All the poets did really well. We had a delightful mix of words ranging from the thought provoking to some old favourites. Of course there was a lot of original poetry which is always wonderful. I admit to a little nervousness at the beginning when it seemed that only three poets were there but they all arrived in the end. The perils of public transport and parking in Cheltenham had simply delayed a few people for a while. The event went more quickly than I had planned but I think that's because I was whizzing about collecting money in between announcing poets and talking to people. The friends who came to help did a sterling job. Their fancy dress costumes were very well made and they brightened up The Promenade for many passers-by. Two of the partaking poets were very brave. both Gill Wyatt and Jay Brook had never read in public before. they both read well and provided some really good work. It's not easy to get up and speak your hearts work in front of strangers and I thank them doubly for shelving their nerves and doing it for the kids. So, after the event Harry and I took the money collected to the bank. H had to carry it as I couldn't. Have you any idea how heavy a bucket full of coins is? I then sent the required paperwork off to the BBC with the Bank's stamp on it. Then the total sum poster went off to Waterstones and the request for a Pudsey 'Thank You' certificate went to the Beeb as well. All done and dusted. All that remains it to watch the huge BBC Children In Need event on TV tonight. I've called us The Gloucestershire Poets.I wonder if they'll mention us on the banner that runs across the

screen?